We Say: Like a pillowy mattress laid on a concrete floor, the Evolution layers oodles of soft padding on top of firm, corrective support for overpronators. This is a beefy shoe, with most of the weight in the heel where foam, Gel cushioning, and plastic components make it one of the heaviest shoes in this guide. Our bigger testers (who need firm guidance underfoot) loved the plush ride, especially when compared with most rigid motion-control shoes. Recommended for often-injured overpronators.

Wear-Testers Say:"It was packed with support, and as a result, it felt overly boxy and heavy."—Michele Belisle, 39, Allentown

"Because the shoe was so stable, I didn't need to wear my orthotics."—Mary Kay Thelen, 50, East Lansing

We Say: This tank of a shoe is armed with components that provide stability for heavy overpronators. The cushioning unit in the heel helps disperse shock, but it also delivers the hardest landing of any shoe in this guide, according to RW lab tests. Most testers didn't like the cushioning, but a few noted that they just needed time to break in the shoe. We recommend the Stabil for bigger-than-average runners and overpronators looking for maximum support.

Wear-Testers Say:"It was firm and heavy, but that's what I prefer."—Erika Toraya, 37, San Diego

"The stability is solid, and the added flexibility made my run more enjoyable."—Marissa lezzi, 25, Allentown

We Say: The DS Trainer has an unexpectedly cushy ride for such a low-to-the- ground, go-fast shoe. According to our lab tests, the cushioning in the heel and forefoot is markedly softer than in the previous versions, which is why the shoe has moved from the Performance- Training category. Its nested heel design cinches down for a snug fit that moves with the foot. Testers loved the new design, as well as the well-balanced ride, especially on speedwork days. Recommended as a daily trainer for moderate to lightweight runners.

We Say: The well-balanced Kayano puts a soft feel on some heavy support. The wide, stable heel holds gobs of cushy foam and Gel, offering the resiliency of a neutral-cushioned shoe at heel-strike and a smooth transition through toe-off. Asics tweaked the shoe's lacing pattern slightly so it faithfully follows the topline of the foot. Testers couldn't say enough about the soft cushioning and outstanding fit of this shoe. Of course, like most stability shoes, the Kayano is still on the hefty side, and that's why we recommend it for bigger runners.

Wear-Testers Say:"The heel felt like it had a big drop from rear to front."—Karen Haley, 56, East Lansing

"The amount of support and stability in this shoe is perfect for me."—Peter Butler, 49, San Diego

We Say: The Switch delivers a touch of stability and modest cushioning for a decent price. Our lab tests show the shoe's cushioning to be slightly less springy than other Brooks shoes in this category, but it is generally soft. Several testers didn't like the ankle collar, however. It's a little low on padding, so it has an odd fit. Recommended as a good, basic trainer for all but fast, high-mileage runners.

Wear-Testers Say:"The shoe was comfortable and easy to run in, but in less than 100 miles, I felt the cushioning starting to break down."—Kendra Cheruvelil, 35, East Lansing

"Overall a solid trainer that provides ample support, but the top of the ankle collar causes some discomfort."—Kate P. Desiderio, 31, Allentown

We Say: This update is unabashed in its traditional approach to stability, delivering an underfoot feel that's a tad firm and stiff (especially in the forefoot), according to Shoe Lab tests. The midsole offers overpronators gentle correction, and the segmented crash pad and pillow of soft foam in the heel absorb slow, pounding miles. What got many of our testers excited about the Trance was the new lacing feature that keeps the tongue from shifting midrun. Recommended as a supportive trainer for average and heavyweight runners.

Wear-Testers Say:"It fit like a glove and was stable with every run."—Ted Gray, 61, East Lansing

"The cushioning is on the thin side, but that did not bother me one bit."—Erin Dry, 29, Allentown

We Say: A flexible shoe, the Inspire has a fast feel that belies the amount of corrective support it provides. Our Shoe Lab tests show it to be firm underfoot, especially in the heel. Testers appreciated the shoe's relative lightness, but some didn't like how tight the upper wrapped their toes—there just didn't seem to be enough wiggle room. We recommend the Inspire for runners with normal to low arches as a durable trainer for moderate-distance and tempo runs.

Wear-Testers Say:"The shoe was a great blend of support and cushioning, but the forefoot felt a bit snug."—Brian Kester, 27, Allentown

"The shoe really had a great fit and rolled well from heel to toe."—Marie Quinn, 54, Allentown

We Say: The sequel to the 760 boasts ample stability for overpronators and Clydesdales. New Balance reshaped the shoe's outsole to put the foot in contact with the ground longer, and added soft rubber to improve cushioning. Despite these changes, the shoe is somewhat firm and rigid, especially in the forefoot, according to Shoe Lab tests. Testers noted the stiff ride and praised the shoe's snug heel, but a few felt the toebox was too wide. Recommended as a stable shoe for big trodders.

Wear-Testers Say: "The shoe has great arch support, and it still looks new after more than 140 miles."—Cheryl Miller, 42, East Lansing

"It was supportive without the bulk, but I wish it had stay-tied sausage laces."—Nicole Graf, 40, East Lansing

We Say: The Structure is a huge step forward for stability footwear. Its midsole design is ideal for runners who start off pronating only slightly but end their run needing maximum support. It's substantially softer and more flexible than other shoes offering this much stability. Testers couldn't get enough of its springiness or its balanced fit—thanks to a new Flywire upper that holds the arch and heel of the foot firmly in place. Recommended as a plush everyday trainer for long runs.

Wear-Testers Say: "Superb stability and yet a total lack of chunkiness."—Jon Saunders, 28, East Lansing

"I was able to use this shoe without my orthotics, which was nice."—Judy Hanson, 53, East Lansing
NEUTRAL-CUSHIONED

We Say: Adidas tinkered with the cushioning of the latest Ride, adding a light, springy foam to the midsole, but kept the same stability unit for a consistent feel when the heel first hits the ground. The result is still a firm, protective shoe. The upper wraps the foot without being tight and provides plenty of wiggle room in the forefoot. Testers overwhelmingly like the fit, but some thought it was a bit dense underfoot. Recommended for mid- to large-sized runners looking for mild support.

Wear-Testers Say: "They felt very lightweight, but I would like a bit more cushioning for longer runs."—Scott Rowlands, 45, Allentown

"The shoe fit perfectly. It was as if I was running barefoot."—Stephanie Norman, 28, Allentown

We Say: The Defyance is a soft, low-slung trainer ready for high-mileage days or tempo runs. Built on the sole of last year's Adrenaline GTS (minus the firm support post), this update is flexible yet firm underfoot and snug in the heel. The upper provides a secure, articulated wrap through the arch that testers absolutely raved about. A few didn't like the lack of forefoot cushioning—a result of the shoe's low profile. Recommended for beginners or any runner looking for a versatile training shoe.

Wear-Testers Say: "Overall it provided comfort without any glitches, though it could use more cushioning."—Janice Trudgeon, 54, East Lansing

"The upper held firm, but not so much that it kept my foot from working."—Martha Andrews, 48, East Lansing

We Say: With its 4x4 truck-like build, the Creation uses two arched plastic plates that cradle the foot and absorb impact like a pair of struts. The result of this design is a heavy shoe that works for big runners. Mizuno lowered the heel in this update and curved the toe up slightly to improve the ride. Testers had a mixed opinion of this shoe. Some felt it was too stiff underfoot, while others actually preferred this kind of ride. Recommended for heavy runners looking for a durable everyday trainer.

Wear-Testers Say: "The shoe had a nice ride, albeit a bit firm."—Rebecca Boggs, 34, East Lansing

"The cushioning was great, but the forefoot was a bit tight."—Dottie Bartholomew, 36, East Lansing

We Say: The Rider has put on weight due in part to more materials added to the sole. This update is two ounces heavier than the previous version. While this change has improved the shoe's stability, it has also made it firm underfoot, according to our lab tests. It's now less of a go-fast shoe and more of a go-long trainer. Several testers noted problems with the shoe's fit, pointing to the toebox, which is shallow. Recommended as an everyday trainer for runners who don't mind a tight forefoot.

We Say: Updated and renumbered (was previously the 1064), the 1080 is a Clydesdale's best friend. Its beefy midsole, thick heel, and firm cushioning do a great job of reducing the impact of heavy footfalls. The ride is a bit stiffer than most cushioned shoes, according to our lab tests, but wear-testers didn't mind it—chalk it up to the plush sockliner covering up the dense heel. Testers embraced the shoe's durability and protective qualities, as well as its secure upper. Recommended for heavier runners as an everyday trainer.

Wear-Testers Say: "It had the stability and support I needed."—Bonnie Stickel, 48, Allentown

"I like a shoe with more cushioning, but it had excellent stability."—Mindy Spadafore, 30, East Lansing

We Say: Not much has changed over the years in this basic, no-nonsense trainer. Like a station wagon, it offers a reliable ride that's ideal for tooling around town at a modest pace. Testers found it to be comfortable, but there were some comments about the upper being stiff. Still, the soft underfoot feel and snug heel fit make the Jazz a good deal for the price. Recommended for runners who have mid to high arches and are looking for a reliable trainer.

Wear-Testers Say: "It had the right amount of cushioning while maintaining a lightweight feel."—Donald Richmond, 25, East Lansing

"The shoe had good support and fit well through the arch and toebox."—Budd Coates, 53, Allentown

We Say: The Pacemaker is all about customization. Each shoe comes with interchangeable parts—footbeds, foam plugs, insoles—that can be tailored to your own cushioning, support, and pronation needs. (A specially trained fitter should assemble the shoe.) The Pacemaker does lack a medial post, a feature of stability shoes—and that's why we've classified it here. While finding the ride to be firm, most testers felt the ability to adjust the shoe outweighed its stiffness. Ideal for chronically injured runners with special requirements.

We Say: With its wafer-thin midsole and highly flexible forefoot, this minimal racer is ideal for mileage junkies who like to go fast. It offers modest cushioning and a low-slung ride. At 9.3 ounces, this shoe is light, and testers sure noticed and appreciated this—although those needing a supportive shoe felt a little exposed. A few noted problems keeping the thin laces securely tied. Recommended for efficient runners as a fast-paced trainer or a supportive racer.

Wear-Testers Say: "It was comfortable for short runs, but it didn't have the support I need for longer runs."—Jason Lounds, 39, East Lansing

"I loved its responsive ride. My only complaint is that I had to double-knot the laces to keep them tied."—Duane Brown, 37, East Lansing

We Say: The Tempo has a zippy feel. This isn't solely due to its weight, but also its moderately firm heel. While you'd think the firmness would harm the shoe's efforts to deliver a fast ride, the Tempo's soft, flexible forefoot more than makes up for it. Testers found that the difference between the heel and forefoot densities resulted in a fast, responsive feel. Recommended as a distance racing shoe or as a daily trainer for lighter overpronators.

Wear-Testers Say: "The thin soles made the shoe lighter and gave me a stable connection with the ground."—John Hunter, 59, San Diego

"I still felt there was ample support in this shoe given the low weight."—Wendy Murphy, 54, San Diego

We Say: This update is to the first LunarElite what The Empire Strikes Back is to Star Wars—a sequel that improves on the original in every way. Besides being lighter and softer than its predecessor, the Elite is more stable and flexible, according to lab tests. Nike deepened the flex grooves to create a smoother ride and broke up the arch wrap in the middle of the foot to allow each individual band to work independently in securing the arch. Ideal for efficient runners looking for a speedwork shoe.

We Say: The Mirage has a remarkably smooth feel for such a lightweight model. It uses the same level platform as the Kinvara, which encourages midfoot-striking, and adds a plastic post under the arch to provide stability. The shoe's substantive upper holds the foot in place better than the Kinvara's airy mesh but isn't as comfortable, as noted by our wear-testers. Recommended for runners looking to ease barefoot-like training into their routine.

Wear-Testers Say: "The shoe's light stability allowed me to get just the right amount of structure."—Sue Sciarini, 50, East Lansing

We Say: The new direction for Under Armour is embodied in this low-profile model. The Assert positions the foot closer to the ground, which results in a firmer and more stable ride. The heel is well cushioned—a cavity in the outsole gives the foot something to sink into—but the forefoot is too thin to properly absorb impact. Our wear-testers noted that the cushioning felt overly hard. Some also found that the heel tended to slip a bit midrun. Recommended as a speedwork shoe for lightweight runners.

Wear-Testers Say: "Though the shoe was light and flexible, it had an unnatural feel from heel to forefoot."—Peter Ford, 30, East Lansing

"I liked the lightweight feel, but I always felt my heel wasn't held down properly."—Andy Marsh, 28, East Lansing